Wellness Category Manager

The Wellness Category Manager is a pivotal role responsible for driving the sales, profitability, and strategic growth of Earth Fare’s wellness product categories, including Supplements, Body Care, General Merchandise, and Bulk Wellness. This dynamic, fast-paced position demands exceptional organizational skills, strategic thinking, and a passion for natural health and wellness. The ideal candidate will combine retail expertise with a deep understanding of the natural products industry to create a product assortment that aligns with Earth Fare’s high-quality standards and customer expectations. With a focus on vendor collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and innovative merchandising, this role requires a proactive leader who thrives in a collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Category Strategy & Growth: Develop and execute strategic plans to drive sales and profitability for wellness categories, aligning with Earth Fare’s brand values and ingredient standards.
• Product Sourcing & Innovation: Identify, evaluate, and source new wellness products that meet Earth Fare’s strict quality and ingredient guidelines, ensuring a competitive and innovative product mix.
• Merchandising & Planograms: Design and implement effective planograms to optimize product presentation and ensure consistent in-store execution across all locations.
• Vendor Partnerships: Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable terms, promotional support, and participation in Earth Fare’s advertising programs.
• Category Analysis & SKU Rationalization: Conduct regular category reviews, analyzing sales trends, profitability, and product performance to optimize SKU assortment and reduce shrink. All categories are to be reviewed at least once per year.
• Promotional Planning: Develop and manage promotional strategies, including pricing, discounts, and marketing campaigns, to enhance customer engagement and drive sales.
• Store Support & Communication: Create clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure seamless implementation of wellness programs at the store level, fostering consistency in product mix and presentation.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverage sales data and market trends to inform pricing, merchandising, and inventory strategies that support continued growth.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, operations, and store teams to align category strategies with company goals and customer needs.
• Trade Show Participation: Represent Earth Fare at industry trade shows to stay ahead of market trends, network with suppliers, and source innovative products.
• Additional Duties: Perform other tasks assigned to support the overall success of the Wellness Department.

• Experience: Minimum of 3 years in purchasing or category management within the natural channel or retail industry, with preference for candidates with management experience in wellness or supplement categories.
• Product Knowledge: Deep understanding of supplements and body care; retail experience in department management is a plus.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); willingness to learn and adapt to new systems.
• Analytical Abilities: Strong ability to analyze data quickly, identify trends, and make strategic decisions to optimize category performance with experience utilizing syndicated data (SPINs).
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences; presentation skills are a plus.
• Negotiation & Multitasking: Outstanding negotiation skills with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and maintain focus in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative Mindset: Positive, solution-oriented attitude with a proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Industry Awareness: Strong knowledge of natural product vendors, manufacturers, and market trends, with a commitment to staying informed on industry developments.
• Travel: Willingness to travel to stores and trade shows as needed.
• Passion for Wellness: Dedication to promoting high-quality wellness and supplement products that align with Earth Fare’s mission and standards.

Join Earth Fare, where your passion for healthy living and community thrives! At Earth Fare, we’re more than a grocery store—we’re a movement dedicated to providing organic, natural, and sustainably sourced products that nourish our customers and the planet. As part of our team, you’ll contribute to a mission-driven culture that values authenticity, integrity, and wellness. Enjoy a supportive work environment, opportunities for growth, and benefits that prioritize your well-being, including competitive pay, health plans, and employee discounts. Be part of a purpose-driven company that makes a difference, one wholesome choice at a time!